Reuse Existing Tabs in Active Context Instead of Opening Duplicates

Problem:

When a user opens an item (e.g. a page, file, or link) that is already present in the active context (e.g. in the sidebar or a view), ABLE still opens it as a new tab instead of reusing the existing one.
This leads to:

  • Duplicate tabs of the same item

  • Fragmented workspace

  • Loss of spatial memory / focus

Use Cases:

  1. From search:

    • I search for a page that is already added to my current context.

    • The app should propose an action activate the existing one.

  2. From a pane (library, context screen etc.):

    • I click on something that’s already been added to the context.

    • ABLE opens it again in a new tab — when it should just bring me to the one I already have.


Proposed Behavior:

  • If the target item is already open or saved within the current context, then:

    • Focus the existing tab in the sidebar

    • Scroll to and highlight it if it’s out of view

  • Only open a new tab if the item is not present in the current context.


Why it matters:

  • Keeps the workspace clean and consistent.

  • Respects user’s intentional organization of their context.

Please authenticate to join the conversation.

Upvoters
Status

In Review

Board

💡 Feature Request

Tags

Kano: Threshold

Date

7 months ago

Author

Carina A.

Subscribe to post

Get notified by email when there are changes.